Gonorrhea And Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs: Gram-Negative Bacteria Triggers Immune System Reaction

First Posted: Jun 15, 2015 10:13 AM EDT
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Gonorrhea is becoming a re-emerging problem as antibiotic-resistant superbugs are beginning to take hold in areas like the United States and Canada. Yet New findings published in the journal Science reveal hope for the sexually transmitted disease that can infect the genitals, rectum and throat and is particularly common among young people between the ages of 15-24 years old.

Researchers at the University of Toronto have uncovered how Gram-negative bacteria, otherwise known as a class of bugs that result in diseases ranging from certain sexually transmitted illnesses to diarrhea to pneumonia, can potentially trigger a reaction in the immune system. In time, the researchers noted that they are hopeful of this discovery leading to new therapies as well as treatments involving the immune system and its ability to properly fight infections instead of antibiotics.

"This is a great example of how basic science research can lead to an unexpected discovery," said Professor Schott Gray-Owen, who made the breakthrough while investigating the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

His research found a distinct type of sugar produced by Gram-negative bacteria, known as heptose, that could potentially trigger an immune response. As heptose is not created by humans, it is a clear indication that bacteria from the illness has invaded the tissues, resulting in pathogen-associated molecular patterns, also known as PAMPs; these alert the immune system that something is wrong.

Statistics provided by the World health Organization (WHO) show that as many as half a million new cases of gonorrhea are occurring every day, with many new infections showing no signs at all. For those who do notice symptoms, typical signs can be somewhat different for men and women. Men may experience a burning sensation when urinating; a white, yellow or green discharge from the penis, and/or painful or swollen testicles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Women are also likely to experience a painful or burning sensation while urinating. They may also experience increased vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding between periods, according to the CDC. For rectal infections, discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding and painful bowel movements are common in both men and women.

While many infected without signs or symptoms have bacteria that avoids detection by the immune system, if it indeed becomes exposed, there can be incredibly devastating results. It can then attack not only the immune response but surrounding tissue, as well. Researchers noted that gonorrhea remains the leading cause of uterine scarring and sterility in women, oftentimes blinding infants born to infected mothers.

The sexually transmitted disease can also be closely related to the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as individuals infected with gonorrhea are more susceptible to HIV and people with HIV are also more infectious when they encounter gonorrhea.

As HIV infects T-cells, which are part of the immune system, they oftentimes remain dormant until an immune response is initiated. And once that occurs, gonorrhea "flares" cause HIV to spread much more quickly.

Gaudet reiterated that knowing how to trigger an immune response, without the threat of spreading harmful bacteria, can help lead to new therapies.

"There are a range of applications where we can use PAMPs to direct a productive immune response instead of using traditional drugs, ranging from treatments for infectious disease to autoimmune disease and cancer," he concluded.

However, the researchers are still uncertain why gonorrhea intentionally wants to cause an immune response.

If you or someone you know is concerned that you could be infected with gonorrhea, talk with your doctor. Typically, a urine sample can detect signs of infection. Oral and/or anal swabs may also be used. And remember that anyone who is sexually active can potentially become infected, according to the CDC

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